Ohio Fishing Regulations
Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Summary below verified 2026-07-27.
⚠️ This is a planning summary, not the law. Rules change mid-season and many waters carry special regulations. Verify with the official Ohio rules before keeping fish.
License fees
Anglers 16+ need a license for all public waters. One license covers inland waters and Lake Erie.
| Resident annual | ≈$25 |
| Non-resident annual | ≈$51 |
Fees approximate as of 2026-07-27; agency fees pages have exact current pricing.
Season, size & bag limits — popular species
| Species | Waters | Season | Daily bag | Size limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Statewide incl. Lake Erie | Open year-round | 6 (Lake Erie bag varies by season/year) | 15" minimum inland | Lake Erie limits set annually — check current |
| Yellow perch | Lake Erie | Open year-round | 30 (zone-dependent, set annually) | None | Zones can drop to 10 — verify |
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass | Statewide | Open year-round (Lake Erie smallmouth spring closure) | 5 combined | 12" on many waters; varies | Lake Erie bass harvest closed May–late June |
| Crappie | Inland reservoirs | Open year-round | 30 statewide (often 10–15 with 9" min on managed lakes) | Varies by lake | |
| Channel catfish | Statewide | Open year-round | 6 on many public lakes; unlimited on others | Varies | One fish 28"+ on some waters |
Lake Erie walleye and perch bags are reset every March from fish surveys — the numbers above are typical, not guaranteed. Check ODNR for current-year limits.
Plan your Ohio trip
Check today's bite forecast: